Nova Scotia Wines
Many might be surprised to learn that there are wine grapes grown on the east coast of our country in Nova Scotia.
It is even home to Canada’s only appellation wine, Tidal Bay.
Tidal Bay is the first and only wine appellation in North America that specifically designates a wine style based on a region's unique characteristics.
An appellation is a defined area where grapes are grown. Winemakers have to adhere to a specific set of rules within the boundary in order to put the appellation name on the label. A common example is Champagne. In order for producers to put Champagne on the label, certain winemaking techniques must be applied to a regulated variety of grapes grown in a specified area.
Created in 2012, Tidal Bay is similar in that it designates a particular style of wine.
The rules state that Tidal Bay wine must: be made from specifically approved grape varieties that are 100% Nova Scotia-grown, follow a strict set of winemaking standards, and have a relatively low alcohol content, not exceeding 11%. This is a white wine that should be making the rounds on every patio from coast to coast!
As exciting as it is that this wine is for Canada in general, what initially put Nova Scotia winemaking on the global map was sparkling wine.
The combination of cool climate, maritime influence, and extended ripening makes Nova Scotia ideal for producing traditional method sparkling wines.
There is even some evidence to suggest that the first grapes were planted in the 1600s by French settlers, making this Canada’s oldest wine producing region! This of course was before solid understanding of sparkling wine production, but nevertheless, it was understood that the area was good enough for grapes to grow.
Now, the Annapolis Valley, which runs east to west along the Bay of Fundy, is home to a large collection of wineries in Nova Scotia.
No commentary on sparkling wine from Nova Scotia would be complete without mentioning the pioneer winery Benjamin Bridge. Here you will find some of the most distinctive and unique bottles of sparkling wine.
Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards is another top quality sparkling wine producer that has depth in their cellar to produce exciting wines with complexities that tell a story of where it was grown.
Should you choose to stay in the country this year and explore the bounty within, rest assured there will be a wine to match your mood and of course, suit the local cuisine wether you are on the east or west coast.
Our Prime Minister did follow through on his pledge to eliminate the country’s internal trade barriers under federal control by Canada Day. The barriers that remain are under control of the provinces, who control the distribution of alcohol. But fear not, these wines are still available to be shipped directly to you.
Whether you choose to visit the east or west coast, you will be delighted and surprised by the wines grown in our country that are not available at the LCBO.